31 July,2026 03:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan addresses the Rajya Sabha before adjourning the House amid persistent Opposition protests over the alleged police action during the July 20 student demonstration. Pic/PTI
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Friday after persistent protests by Opposition members over multiple issues, including the alleged police action against students during the July 20 NEET controversy. The House will now reconvene on Monday, August 3, at 11 am.
The day's proceedings began with routine parliamentary business as the House assembled at 11 am. Several Union Ministers tabled official papers before the House, while the report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj was also presented.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan also made a statement regarding the implementation status of recommendations contained in the 22nd report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communication and Information Technology. The report pertains to mechanisms aimed at curbing fake news and related issues under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Following the completion of the scheduled business, Chairman CP Radhakrishnan initiated the Zero Hour, during which members are allowed to raise matters of urgent public importance.
However, Opposition members soon began raising slogans and protesting over their demands, resulting in repeated disruptions that prevented the House from functioning smoothly. The protest was centred on the alleged police action during the students' demonstration held on July 20 over the NEET issue.
As the uproar intensified, the Chairman appealed to the protesting members to allow the proceedings to continue and urged them to respect democratic conventions by listening to other members as well.
Addressing the Opposition benches, Radhakrishnan remarked, "You want everybody to listen, you don't want to listen to anyone. This is wrong. This is dictatorship. You don't want to value democratic values. You must listen to others as well."
Despite repeated appeals from the Chair, the disruptions continued, making it difficult to conduct the House's business.
With the protests showing no signs of easing, Chairman Radhakrishnan adjourned the Rajya Sabha for the remainder of the day.
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also attempted to speak during the commotion. However, amid the continued ruckus, the Chair proceeded with the adjournment without allowing further discussion.
Meanwhile, similar scenes were witnessed in the Lok Sabha, where proceedings were also adjourned for the day following protests by Opposition members over the alleged police action against students during the July 20 demonstration.
The proceedings of both Houses of Parliament are now scheduled to resume on Monday, August 3, at 11 am.
(With inputs from ANI)
